Public Hunting Land in Maryland

Maryland may be a smaller state, but it offers a surprisingly diverse range of public hunting opportunities. With over 500,000 acres of public land, hunters can pursue whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game across a mix of state-managed forests, wildlife areas, and tidal wetlands.

Types of Public Land Available in Maryland:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), open to public hunting with species-specific regulations.

• State Forests & Parks: Many allow hunting during designated seasons with additional rules and safety zones.

• Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas: Privately owned lands that permit public hunting through state access agreements.

• Federal Lands: Includes national wildlife refuges, Army Corps lands, and Chesapeake marsh zones with permit-based access.

Seasons & Access Info

Maryland hunting seasons vary by region and zone (Western, Central, and Eastern Shore), with a mix of public access, lottery hunts, and reservation-only areas.

Key Resources:

• Season Dates & Bag Limits

• Hunting Licenses & Permits

• Public Lands Guide & Rules

Pro Tip: Waterfowlers should check daily reservation systems for blinds in tidal zones — Maryland is a premier destination for Atlantic flyway hunting.

Explore Hunting Access in Maryland

Maryland DNR offers detailed mapping tools and guides for all public lands open to hunting:

• Public Lands Map Explorer

• WMA & Forest Maps by Region

• Reservations & Public Hunting Program Info

From the mountains of Garrett County to the marshes of the Eastern Shore, Maryland’s public lands offer rich and accessible hunting for every kind of sportsman.